Maharashtra: A survey of TB patients in the rural areas of Panvel, Karjat and Khopoli and other parts of Raigad district is underway.The undergraduate students of MGM Institute of Health Sciences are conducting this survey for an year.

The major objective behind the initiative is to draw results (for doctors to refer) on the specific causes, treatments, and also help doctors recommend any new line of treatment for TB.

Dr Chander Puri, pro vice chancellor, MGM Health University implied in his statement an on-ground research will throw light on the fact that there are large number of undetected cases than are actually confirmed. An increase in the multi-drug resistant TB cases has been noted. Even detection of TB in children is not easy.

In addition to this initiative, the college in Kamothe is organising a symposium on March 18-19. This platform will bring together around 23 speakers from across India to discuss breakthroughs and challenges in the diagnosis and management of tuberculosis.

As reported by TOI, there are more than 20 lakh diagnosed cases of TB every year, of which 2 lakh detected patients die, according to medical studies.

The WHO directive aims to eradicate the disease by 2035 and there has been a 90% reduction in incidences and 95% reduction in mortality.